When is the best time to organise for Christmas 2026?
Why not right now.
It is a strange time of year, it feels like Christmas is just over and yet it also feels like a long time ago.
Thinking about Christmas 2026 seems so long from now and why would you want to spend time now contemplating about it?
Maybe now is the best time to prepare for it. You have probably noticed that the Christmas decorations and items are appearing in our shops earlier every year?
Yes, of course it is all about consumerism and making people buy more stuff that they really do not need and may not even have space to use.
Most forget what they need and what they already have and think if I don’t get it now then I won’t be able to get it in December. Or I can’t remember if I need that or not.
Make a window of time in your day be it today or tomorrow and grab a piece of paper and pen. Yes, some people just make notes on their phone, I love paper and pen. Do whatever works for you.
Take a drink of your choice with you, coffee, tea or just water. And write down the things you had last Christmas.
What did you enjoy or appreciate the most? There were things that made you smile as you think about it and there were also things that make you cringe right now, as you think about it.
This means you are ready to make that list and get your thoughts out of your head. It’s time to get organised for Christmas and have some fun along the way.
Two step process
List out the categories that work for you, whether it is each room that you decorate or each type of item.
Room decor
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Hall
- Dining room
- Outdoor
Or each type of item
- Christmas tree
- Lights
- Wreathes
- Table decorations
- Wrapping paper, bags and tags
- etc.
This is all about you and what works best for you.
It's time to organise for Christmas
Now fill in the details that you remember from last year. Was there something missing or broken that you remember?
Your Christmas tree
- If it is plastic are the branches and needles ok?
- Anything missing?
- Still have your tree stand?
- When you need to purchase the real tree.
- Type of decorations you had on your tree and the colour scheme.
- Any broken ones?
- Need new baubles or certain decorations?
- Did the lights work/any bulbs missing?
- Planned to buy new decorations and forgot.
Wreaths
- Do you still have some?
- Need to buy supplies to replace items?
- Planning to make your own and need supplies.
House decorations
- Any broken items?
- Do you still have enough from last year?
- Did you have too much and wanted to declutter?
- Need to buy some specific item and can’t remember.
Outdoor decorations
- Do they still work?
- Need new bulbs/batteries or cables?
- Planned to declutter or look for new ones?
Dining Table
- Hosting a Christmas party or meal? Do you have the napkins and tableware?
- Wanted to use different plates etc. and need time to find them in the attic of basement?
Wrapping paper or gift bags
- Was there enough last year?
- Did you buy some in the post Christmas sales?
- Do you have some gift bags?
Christmas and Thank You tags
- Do you have some from last year?
- Need to buy some for this year?
- Can you make some yourself?
Christmas cards and post
- Do you have the list of people you want to send cards or post to and their contact details? Maybe you only want to call or email some people.
- For those you want to post anything to do you have the cards or packages ready?
- Check the delivery times and cut off dates when you need to post the packages or cards to ensure they arrive on time.
Gifts for people
- Did you purchase any gifts during the year when you saw them and thought they were perfect for Christmas. Now is the time to find them and make a list of the things you have and who they are for.
- There is still time to be prepared for Christmas 2024. No one needs to go overboard and go into debt to purchase everything you see.
It may feel as if the shops are desperately trying to push it all on us so we can say no.
If you have your decorations up already then you are a step ahead and can easily go through a list to find out what you have, what is broken or missing and almost broken or probably won’t make it to next year.
How this can help you prepare for next Christmas
Write out a list of things that are broken or missing and have it ready when you need the list when the new stock arrives in the stores in 2026. At this rate they may enter the aisles in August. It seems to get earlier every year. You may even find things you need in a thrift store or yard sale.
If you notice some other decoration or storage idea that someone else has that makes sense for you then you have the whole year to see what is available and not feel pressured to buy it at a marked up price.
What better way than to be so prepared months before the event and only buy what you need leaving you with money to be invested in the food or gifts you want to have for the holiday season.
Don’t fall victim to over commercialism and win that battle for yourself. Now can be the best time to organise for Christmas 2026 and start the new year with a smile on your face. One goal already achieved.
